TCL’s 2024 soundbar lineup clearly did well enough to earn a second run in 2025—no major changes, no dramatic overhauls. Just one quiet addition: the Q65H.
Why bother? Turns out there was a 5.1-shaped hole in the middle of their range. The current models—the basic S45H (2.0), S55H (2.1), the more immersive Q75H (5.1.2), and flagship Q85H (7.1.4)—jumped right over the 5.1 category entirely. The Q65H fills that oddly missing middle ground, giving TCL a more complete spec sheet, even if the design language still feels rather pedestrian–which is odd for a company that has been blowing our socks off lately with its TVs.
Pro Tip: Read our full review of the Q85H
TCL Q65H: Plugging the Gap in the Soundbar Lineup with a No-Frills 5.1 Option
The TCL Q65H is a 5.1-channel soundbar that supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. It features built-in left, center, and right channel speakers, along with a wireless subwoofer for low-end support. The soundbar also includes integrated tweeters and up-firing drivers to deliver height effects for a more immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X experience.
To widen the soundstage, the Q65H incorporates TCL’s Ray-Danz Acoustic Wave-Guide Reflectors, which help disperse sound from the angled side speakers across the room. The result is a more expansive, room-filling presentation—without the need for external surround or height speakers.
With a low-profile, modern design that fits neatly under most TVs, the TCL Q65H packs in the brand’s premium Q Class speaker drivers, delivering up to 290 watts RMS (580 watts peak) of home theater punch.
Additional features include built-in tweeters for crisp high frequencies, a dedicated center channel with enhanced dialog mode for clear vocals, and auto room calibration to optimize sound for your space. Connectivity is solid, too, with Bluetooth and HDMI eARC for simple, high-quality integration into any setup.
From Scott Ramirez, VP of Product Marketing and Development, TCL: “The new TCL Q65H sound bar puts you in the movie with high-impact, room-filling sound that’s so real, you’ll forget you’re listening to a sound bar. And, it does that at a shockingly great price point…”
Comparison
| Q65H (2025) | Q85H (2024) | Q75H (2024) | S55H (2024) | S45H (2024) | |
| Price (MSRP) | $499.99 | $999.99 | $899.99 | $219.99 | $179.99 |
| Max Total Power Ouput | 580 W | 860 W | 620 W | 220 W | 100 W |
| Number of Channels | 5.1 | 7,.1.4 | 5.1.2 | 2.1 | 2.0 |
| Number of Speaker Drivers | 8 | 15 | 11 | 3 | 2 |
| Subwoofer Type | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | – |
| Subwoofer Driver Size | 6.5 inches | 6.5 inches | 6.5 inches | 5.5 inches | – |
| Room Calibration | TCL Ai Sonic | TCL Ai Sonic | TCL Ai Sonic | TCL Ai Sonic | TCL Ai Sonic |
| Dolby Support | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos |
| DTS Support | DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X | DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X | DTS Virtual:X | DTS Virtual:X | DTS Virtual:X |
| Roku TV Ready | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Audio Support | MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV | MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV | MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV | MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV | MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV |
| Ray Danz Technology with Acoustic Reflectors | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Wall Mountable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| On-board Controls | On/Off, Input, Bluetooth, Vol -, Vol+ | On/Off, Input, Bluetooth, Vol -, Vol+ | On/Off, Input, Bluetooth, Vol -, Vol+ | On/Off, Input, Bluetooth, Vol-, Vol+ | On/Off, Input, Bluetooth, Vol-, Vol+ |
| Bluetooth | Ver 5.3 | 5.1 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| AirPlay 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not Indicated | Not Indicated |
| Input Connections | 1 x HDMI 2.0 1 x HDMI 2.1 (eARC) 1 x Digital Optical 1 x USB for Audio Playback | 1 x HDMI 2.0 1 x HDMI 2.1 (eARC) 1 x Digital Optical 1 x USB for Audio Playback | 1 x HDMI 2.0 1 x HDMI 2.1 (eARC) 1 x Digital Optical 1 x USB for Audio Playback | 1 x HDMI 2.0 (eARC) 1 x Digital Optical 1 x USB for Audio Playback 1 x Aux (3.5mm) | 1 x HDMI 2.0 (eARC) 1 x Digital Optical 1 x USB for Audio Playback 1 x Aux (3.5mm) |
| Soundbar Dimensions (WHD) | 41.50 x 4.86 x 2.68 in 1054 x 123.5 x 68 mm | 41.50 x 4.86 x 2.68 in 1054 x 123.5 x 68 mm | 41.50 x 4.86 x 2.68-in 1054 x 123.5 x 68 mm | 31.89 x 2.36 x 3.86-in 810 x 59.94 x 98.04 mm | 31.89 x 2.36 x 3.86-in 810 x 59.94 x 98.04 mm |
| Subwoofer Dimensions (WHD) | 8.66 x 14.51 x 10.83 in 220 x 368.65 x 275 mm | 8.66 x 14.51 x 10.67 in 220 x 368.65 x 271 mm | 8.66 x 14.51 x 10.67-in 220 x 368.65 x 271 mm | 7.68 x 12.60 7.68 in 195.1 x 320 x 195.1 mm | – |
| Soundbar Weight | 9.30 lbs/4.22 kg | 111.88 lb/5.39 kg | 11.88 lb/5.39 kg | 4.51 lbs/2.05 kg | 4.51 lbs/2.05 kg |
| Subwoofer Weight | 13.21 lbs/5.99 kg | 13.42 lb/6.09 kg | 13.42 lb/6.09 kg | 6.75 lb/3.06 kg | – |
The Bottom Line
TCL is best known for its TVs, but the brand also offers a full line of soundbars. That said, their audio gear hasn’t quite made the same splash. We reviewed the flagship Q85H and found it to be a solid value with extensive connectivity, easy setup, and true (not just virtual) surround sound. Still, it had some quirks—channel balance issues and underwhelming bass among them.
It’s possible the new-for-2025 Q65H addresses some of those shortcomings. And right now, TCL’s entire soundbar lineup is available at steep discounts. If you’re on a tight budget, you can still land a soundbar with Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and depending on the model, Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2 support.
Price & Availability
Here are the MSRP prices for the TCL S and Q line Soundbars
- TCL Q65H:
$499.99$349.99 at Amazon - TCL Q75H:
$399.99$399.99 at Amazon - TCL Q85H:
$699.99$499.99 at Amazon - TCL S55H:
$159.99$119.99 at Amazon - TCL S45H:
$129.99$79.99 at Amazon
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